Ajit Pawar Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Career, Lifestyle, Car Collection, and More

Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most powerful politicians, known for sharp decisions and strong control over administration. He served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times and remained the face of Baramati politics for decades. On January 28, 2026, he passed away at the age of 66 in a tragic plane crash near Baramati airport. His life mixed power, controversy, loyalty, and sudden political turns.

Early Life And Family Roots

Ajit Anantrao Pawar was born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. He belonged to a farming family that stayed deeply connected to rural life. His father Anantrao Pawar passed away early, which forced Ajit Pawar to shoulder family responsibilities at a young age. This phase shaped his practical mindset and strong grip on ground realities.

He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, one of India’s tallest political leaders. Politics surrounded him since childhood, but his entry into public life came slowly. Before active politics, he worked closely with cooperative institutions, sugar factories, and agricultural bodies.

Education And Personal Details

Ajit Pawar completed his education till Secondary School Certificate level. He was never known for academic glamour but for street-smart administration. His height was around 1.75 meters, close to 5 feet 9 inches. Among supporters, he was widely called Dada, a name that reflected authority and familiarity both.

He married Sunetra Pawar in 1985. The couple had two sons, Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar. Family always stayed important to him, even during intense political storms.

First Steps Into Politics

Ajit Pawar formally entered public life in 1982 by joining the board of a cooperative sugar factory. This was a crucial platform in Western Maharashtra. In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati, but he resigned the seat so that Sharad Pawar could contest from there. This move earned him trust inside the party and showed his long-term political thinking.

That same year, he became Chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank, a post he held for sixteen years. His control over cooperative networks grew stronger during this time.

Rise As Baramati’s Strongman

From 1991 onwards, Ajit Pawar continuously represented the Baramati Assembly constituency. Winning election after election, he turned Baramati into his political fortress. Roads, water projects, schools, and cooperative growth became his main tools.

People often described him as blunt and no-nonsense. He spoke less, acted fast, and expected work to move at speed. His Janata Darbars became famous, where officials were questioned directly in front of citizens.

Deputy Chief Minister Journey

Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra six times, making him the longest-serving person on that post. His first major term began in 2010. Over the years, he handled crucial departments like Irrigation, Power, Rural Development, and Finance.

He played a key role in budget planning and infrastructure expansion. Supporters praised his administrative grip, while critics questioned his style and transparency.

Major Political Turning Points

In 2019, Ajit Pawar shocked Maharashtra politics by briefly forming a government with Devendra Fadnavis. The government collapsed within 80 hours, but the episode changed power equations forever.

In July 2023, he led a major split in the Nationalist Congress Party and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. This move divided the party and triggered a legal fight over the NCP name and symbol. In 2024, he continued as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister in the Mahayuti government.

Net Worth And Assets

According to his 2024 election affidavit, Ajit Pawar’s total assets were valued at around ₹124.55 crore. His movable assets crossed ₹8.22 crore, including vehicles, shares, bonds, and fixed deposits. Immovable assets were valued at over ₹37.15 crore, mostly land in Pune district.

His declared liabilities stood close to ₹21.4 crore. His wife Sunetra Pawar owned significant assets as well, including movable assets above ₹14 crore and immovable assets exceeding ₹58 crore.

Lifestyle And Car Collection

Ajit Pawar lived a disciplined but comfortable life. His car collection included a Toyota Camry, a Honda CRV, and a tractor registered in his name. He also owned silver articles and long-term investments.

Despite wealth, he avoided flashy public display. Most of his time was spent in meetings, site visits, and political discussions. His lifestyle matched a rural power leader more than an urban showman.

Controversies And Criticism

Ajit Pawar faced allegations related to the irrigation scam during his tenure as Water Resources Minister. Multiple inquiries were conducted, but charges were not conclusively proven. These accusations followed him for years and became a tool for political attacks.

His sharp language and tough decisions often created friction, even within his own party. Yet, supporters said his firmness kept systems moving.

Tragic Death In 2026

On January 28, 2026, Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati airport while attempting to land. Five others on board also lost their lives. The news stunned Maharashtra and triggered a wave of grief across party lines.

Leaders described his death as the end of an era in state politics. Baramati, the land he ruled politically, became the place of his final journey.

Legacy That Remains

Ajit Pawar’s life was full of power, pressure, loyalty shifts, and strong administration. He was feared by opponents, trusted by allies, and followed by thousands. His impact on Maharashtra’s cooperative, financial, and political systems will be debated for years, but his influence cannot be ignored.